Fairview Water District is proposing an increase to monthly base water rates to help address aging infrastructure, needed repairs, and rising operating costs. For a standard 5/8 inch residential meter within the District, the monthly base rate would increase from $20 to $40. The charge for water usage would remain unchanged.
A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 5:00 pm at the Swiss Hall, 4605 Brookfield Avenue in Tillamook. We encourage all customers to attend or submit written comments prior to the hearing.
The proposed rates have not been adopted. If approved, they would take effect in December 2026 and appear on bills mailed in early January 2027. The full notice, proposed rates, rate study, and answers to common questions are available below.
Written comments may be submitted before the November 24, 2026 public hearing by email at office@fairviewwater.com or by using the "Email Us" button. Mail or submit written comments to the District office at 403 Marolf Loop Rd., Tillamook, OR 97141.
Verbal comments may be made during the hearing.
Past rate increases have not kept up with the reality of rising costs. Major infrastructure repairs and replacements have been deferred for decades, leaving aging equipment and recurring problems that now require lasting solutions. At the same time, the cost of materials, operations, testing, and state regulations have continued to rise.
No. The rates are proposed. The Board would consider adopting them after the public hearing is held on Tuesday, November 24, 2026.
It depends on your meter size. Most homes in the District have a 5/8-inch residential meter and would see an increase of about $20 to their monthly bill.
No. Your per-gallon usage rate would remain unchanged.
The base rate is meant to be a predictable fixed charge that covers the costs of operating a reliable water system. It should keep the infrastructure up to date and in working order; and pay for regular water-quality testing, pipes, pumps, and the day-to-day expenses that keep clean water available at your tap.
Larger meters can deliver more water at once, so the proposed base rates reflect their greater service capacity. The proposed rates follow standard industry ratios from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) that reflect those different levels of demand.
They were devised after an independent rate study was completed by the Oregon Association of Water Utilities (OAWU) in December 2025. The Board selected a $40 starting point for the most common meter size and then applied the industry standard meter size ratios that were included in the study.
Unmetered connections would be charged twice the base rate that applies to the matching meter size.
If the Board adopts them, the new base rates would apply to billing incurred in December 2026 and appear on bills mailed in early January 2027.
Yes. The Board will listen to public comments at the hearing and can modify the proposal before making a final decision.
Email comments to office@fairviewwater.com or mail/hand-deliver them to 403 Marolf Loop Rd., Tillamook, OR 97141. Written comments are welcome before the hearing.
You can find the rate study linked at the top of this page.
Please email your questions to office@fairviewwater.com.
Copyright © 2018 Fairview Water District - All Rights Reserved